As its nickname suggests, the lake is an immensely popular destination year-round for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. There is a thriving and vibrant art and cultural scene that highlights the areas Alaskan native heritage. This waterfront home . The drive to Wolfeboro is about two hours from Boston and five from New York City. A leg of the great Cumberland Trail is accessible at the north end of LaFollette. From a time-capsule-worthy main drag in Greensboro, Georgia, to a sun-soaked chain of lakes in Winter Haven, Florida, these are the South's best lake towns of 2022. Share of household income . Neighboring Muscle Shoals has a deep music history. LindaZ74 / Shutterstock. With world-class skiing nearby, Lake Placid hosted both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Its charming downtown, great restaurants, and fun shops are sure to keep you busy. You have the best of land and sea activities here, from hiking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities to boating and swimming along 42 miles of shoreline. Charlevoix is the perfect getaway to Lake Michigan. Every outdoor activity you can imagineswimming, hiking, rock climbing, golfing, canoeing, fishing, water skiing, and moreis possible at Lake Lure, and you'll still find plenty of time for relaxation once the sun sinks behind Chimney Rock each evening. The light turquoise waters attract vacationers from all over the country. Striking views, a gorgeous landscape, stunning lakes, and affordable housing? Located in the Adirondack Mountains and surrounded by rivers famous for fly-fishing, cliffs made for climbing (and jumping), and lakes ideal for a host of water sports, Lake Placid is one of the most sought-after vacation spots in New York. The house, which sits on nearly a quarter-acre, offers views of Lake Kampeska from the deck. 3: Georgetown, South Carolina. Right near the Canadian border, way up north in Minnesota, secluded Ely offers acres upon acres of pristine lakes and unspoiled forests set on a stunning, glacier-carved landscape. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Daniel Herriges serves as Editor-in-Chief for Strong Towns, writing feature articles and speaking across the country on behalf of the organization.He has been a regular contributor to Strong Towns since 2015 and is also a founding member of the organization. Sailing, fishing and kayaking are also popular pursuits. But there are also plenty of folks whod prefer to be right in town, within walking distance to dozens of restaurants, the performance center, and the nearly 30 sculptures spread throughout downtown. This Charming Small Town in Upstate New York Was Just Named the Best Place to Buy a Lake House in 2023 8 Best Small Towns to Buy a Vacation Home in the U.S. Where to Buy a Vacation Home in Colorado Its very close to pricier Lake George as well as Gore Mountain Ski Resort. While the town of Osage Beach has only 5,000 residents, there is a variety of restaurants, bars, and parks that attract visitors every summer. When it comes to American lakes, Maine's got game. The New York Finger Lakes region is a pristine part of the state with 11 glistening bodies of water, each lined by towns with character. 11. Located on the sandy shores of Lake Erie, Sandusky was named one of Americas best coastal towns by U.S. Today, and topped the Realtor.com 2021 list of the Most Affordable Lake Towns. The small community of Georgetown on the Carolina coast is what Charleston used to be - 200-year-old homes (more than Charleston, in fact), lots of Southern . The median listing price in 2020 was a very affordable $107,792. Laconia, New Hampshire. We set out on our annual hot-season quest to find the best affordable lake towns in the United Statesplaces with lots of well-priced homes, lovely and fun water scenes, and no shortage of things to do on dry land. The charming red-brick downtown is filled with fun shops and restaurants. Take a tour of Wright's Rosenbaum House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Alabama. . From Turnip Greens Country Market, where you'll find a farmer's market as well a range of boutique stores, to Vernon Square, with historic sites and trails, Darien is an ideal destination for a low key family getaway. On the southeast shore of Lake Chelan, Chelan is a resort town nestled between the water and the Cascade Mountains. An upscale and heavily golf-oriented resort community on the Gulf Coast, Diamondhead is . There are many reasons why Lake Tahoe stands out as a lake vacation. On Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro is fast becoming the best lake town in the Northeast. Bryson City, North Carolina, is a small town with big views. It boasts quaint shops and restaurants that surround the town square and plenty of locals who like to watch the passers-by as they sip beverages on their front porches. And while plenty has changed over previous years, one thing remains constant: an overwhelming desire among many Americans to head to the waterand, just maybe, consider what it would take to own a house there. The top 10 most affordable lakes for lakefront homes in Michigan are listed below, with the most affordable lake at No. This list could include 10 from along the state's 3,300 miles of shoreline and be very . Here buyers can find a lake home for under $200,000, if they are willing to make some renovations, such as this $175,000 four-bedroom across the street from the beach. When on dry land, you might hit a casino (Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania) or theme park (Branson, Missouri), tubing or go-karting (Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin), or enjoy strolling through the shops and restaurants of a historic district (Vermilion, Ohio).. Buyers can get a home and land, such as this $225,000 one-bedroom log cabin overlooking Shagawa Lake. Swimming is unlikely because the lake contains alligators, but it's a great spot for boating. The International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center are probably the most happening spots in town. Buying or renting, Scott is in or around the top ten statewide in terms of housing costs to income ratio. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest state park in Missouri. For a home right on the lake, buyers can find nice single-family homes starting in the $200,000-range, such as this waterfront three-bedroomasking $259,000. 20 Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the U.S. 11 Best Lake Tahoe Beaches With Sandy Shores and Mountain Views, The Best Small Towns in the U.S. to See Fall Foliage. Add that to the shops, restaurants, and galleries that fill these charming small towns, and you'll find inviting places to spend your retirement years. You get larger lots for the same amount of money, but you still have access to everything you need.. Port Aransas is a town close to Corpus Christi making it an easy day trip from the bigger city. A comparatively high tax rate and low income helped push Erie to 15th place in the rankings despite low home costs, but it's still one of the most affordable waterfront cities in the country. Sandpoint, Idaho, is the most expensive of the affordable lake towns, with a median list price of $429,000 and a variety of lakefront houses that . But that doesnt mean the rest of the 99% cant get in on the waterfront action. * The average of monthly, median list prices for all homes in the city (not just lake houses) from January 2022 through May 2022, using Realtor.com data. From a time-capsule-worthy main drag in Greensboro, Georgia, to a sun-soaked chain of lakes in Winter Haven, Florida, these are the South's best lake towns of 2022. California, Omaha, and Minnesota are among the most popular transplant states. 1. Best Lake Towns To Retire To in the South, 12 Lesser-Known Southern Destinations Our Editors Can't Wait To Visit In 2023, The Best Mother-Daughter Vacations to Take This Summer, 10 Prettiest Places for Fall Foliage in Tennessee, Pass Christian Is the Mississippi Beach Town You've Probably Never Heard Of, Affordable Florida Beach Towns Perfect For Your Next Vacation, 18 Perfect Fall Girlfriend Getaways To Plan Immediately. Buyers can find single-family homes just blocks from the water starting in the $400,000s, like this $419,000, three-bedroom house just outside town. The top tourist attractions are the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center. There has been a steady uptick in the number of people seeking out homes in lake towns over the past few years, says Glenn S. Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty. Asheville, North Carolina. Source: ESB Professional / Shutterstock. Vermilion has long been one of the most beloved beach towns on the south shore of Lake Erie. The beauty of Aurora, apart from the gorgeous sunsets on Cayuga Lake, is that you have culture, incredible food and wine, and water activities at your fingertips. Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. The town of Lake Placid, set on the banks of, you guessed it, Lake Placid, is probably best known as the home of the 1980 (and 1932!) 01 of 10. Ithaca is considered the most liberal of all towns in New York City and is ranked the 7th most liberal city in America. South Lake Tahoe: If North Lake Tahoe is a pristine and relaxed winter wonderland, South Lake Tahoe is more of a year-round affair. Other towns in the area include Lakeland, Lakeview, Lakeside, Osage Beach, Sunrise Beach, and others. Jocquise R. Timmons, 28, of Paterson was arrested by U.S. 4. House hunters who want easy access to entertainment after paddleboarding, kayaking, or boating across 43,000 acres of water will appreciate one of the many waterfront homes on Table Rock Lake. It just depends on what youre looking for, Schaben says. If Queen Dolly Partons Stampede and live country music shows arent your thing, check out the Titanic Museum, with 400 pre-Discovery artifacts spread across 20 gallerieswhich can be enjoyed in the blissful A/C. 1. While the area boasts multiple lakes, the family-friendly destination offers plenty to do when you need a break from the sun and heat. Caddo Lake - Karnack. Estes Park, CO. 3.8%. Hot Springs Village is the largest gated community in the United States. Nine miles west of Cleveland is Rocky River, Ohio, a town of 20,000 ranked #24 by Niche in the entire state for best suburbs. Wallethub's Best Beach Towns to Live in (Ocean or Lake) 15 Sparkling Seaside Towns In The USA The Best Small Beach Towns in the United States America's 25 Favorite Beach Towns America's Most Affordable Beach Towns in 2019 The 21 Most Popular Active and 55+ Communities in the Southeast. That makes it appealing for investors as well as folks who stay there part of the time and rent out for the rest, to help pay off their mortgages. To help narrow down that search, one website has chosen three cities in North Carolina as some of the best lake towns in the country to live in. Lake Wylie- South Carolina/North Carolina. Its also a prized destination for great shopping and local activitieslike a top-notch weekly farmers marketand its welcoming community vibe, says Jen Schaben, real estate agent with Stauss Realty in Okoboji. Located about 85 miles outside of Atlanta, Greensboro is situated on Lake Oconee, a 19,000-acre lake that's also a popular destination for golfing, boating, and fishing. Animal lovers will gladly pay roughly $7 ($4 for kids) to spend a couple . Offers may be subject to change without notice. The town has less than 2,000 permanent residents, which gives it a . Idaho Falls, Idaho. Virginia's only lakeside town is located on Kerr Lake and has become a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, who enjoy the boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and hiking opportunities at Occoneechee State Park. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. (Sorry.). And that is providing an opening for regular folks with steady jobs who have been saving up for just this opportunity to swoop in. 2 . Meanwhile, downtown is filled with antiques stores, restaurants, and small boutiques. For many, lakeside living is the answer. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at twilight. The 440-acre, 3-mile-long lake features two public beaches and a shoreline dotted with a mix of upscale and affordable permanent and vacation homes. With pandemic restrictions easing upand American life returning to something akin to normallocking in a home on the water is feeling like less of an imperative to some would-be buyers. Buyers at one of these two lakes in the Branson, MO area, can find their dream home for a median price of 205,900. Median home list price: $307,000. The median home price in Dillon is $125,400. You'll also find the town of Bigfork, Montana, which has old Western resort town energy, not dissimilar to the ski towns you'd find in Colorado mining country. Winsted, Connecticut is a picturesque community is home to Highland Lake, one of the largest lakes in Connecticut and a popular spot for residents to beat the summer heat. Its possible to get a house in this area for just over $100,000, such as this cute three-bedroomasking $115,000. Situated on nearly a half-acre, this house features a screened porch and is within walking distance of Roamingwood Lake. Median home list price: $248,000. The region boasts seven lakes, with the three largest natural bodies of water located in the town proper: Big Spirit Lake, West Okoboji Lake, and East Okoboji Lake. A vacation in a lake town is a guaranteed dose of old-fashioned family fun. Most people visit Florida for its beaches, but land-locked in the center of the Sunshine State is Winter Haven, a spot known for its Chain of Lakes. When you're not exploring the surrounding lakes, enjoy the small-town charms of Clermont, from the Downtown Clermont Farmer's Market every Sunday to the shopping along Montrose Street in Clermont's Historic Village. Buyers willing to spend a bit more can find huge spreads like this three-bedroom on more than an acre of property right on the edge of Lake Desoto listed for $454,900. Eureka Springs is situated near several bodies of water, including Lake Leatherwood in the city limits and the enormous nearby Beaver Lake, as well as Table Rock Lake, which is located just across the Missouri border. Heres a $55,000 one-bedroom unit. People are moving back to the area, either after retirement or because they can work from their lake cottage, she says. Legend has it that seven mineral springs in Springs Park have healing powers. A majority of buyers use their homes here partly as vacation rentals, says Justin Skaar, owner of Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan. Rocky River, Ohio. 9 Things Youd Better Consider First, Surf and Save? This small two-bedroom on the bay is listed for $1,850,000. The area offers hiking, skiing and gambling at the casinos. In . This northern Wisconsin resort town (165 miles northwest of Green Bay) has all the ingredients of a great family vacation , including more than 3,000 lakes in Vilas and Oneida counties. Clear Lake, South Dakota, is proud of its strong, traditional values. It is so beautiful that the locals of the Texas Hill Country have given it the nickname of "The Jewel". Lakeway Resort & Spa is the place to be in the area - not just for those looking for a lovely lakeside hotel, but for those renting in the area who want to book a spa day or dinner at the resort. In the summer, families wakeboard, tube and fish on the lakes and rivers. Chelan offers housing options at a wide range of price points. Located near some of the highest mountain peaks in the region, Flagstaff is a stunning location year round: Think snow-capped mountains, fall . The pinnacle of Montana lake culture is spending the summer months on Flathead Lake. In the winter, it is a haven for ice fishing and the indoor water parks are open throughout the year. #13. It's the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi - boasting 200 square miles of water. The New York Finger Lakes region is a pristine part of the state with 11 glistening bodies of water, each lined by towns with character. 1. Methodology: GOBankingRates found 25 affordable waterfront cities by evaluating 112 of the United . "The City of Opportunity" offers plenty of rest-and-relaxation opportunities to its visitors. Whether you explore its canal-linked lakes via paddle board or a water boat cruise, you'll find plenty of lakeside dining with fresh afternoon catches along the way. No. Those who want to own property right on the water should expect to spend at least $500,000, such as this $725,000 three-bedroom home.